During a period of time when the computerized medication order system was down, the prescriber wrote admission the nurse is transcribing them. The nurse is having difficulty transcribing one order because of the prescriber's handwriting. Which is the best action for the nurse to take at this time?
Ask the client what prescribed medications are taken at home
Contact the prescriber to clarify the order.
Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order
Ask a colleague what the order says.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Ask the client what prescribed medications are taken at home: While obtaining information about the client's home medications is important, this action does not address the specific issue of the unclear order. It is not an appropriate substitute for clarifying the medication order that the nurse is having difficulty transcribing.
B) Contact the prescriber to clarify the order: This is the best action for the nurse to take. If the nurse is unsure about the order due to illegible handwriting, the safest and most effective way to clarify the order is to directly contact the prescriber. This ensures that the nurse administers the correct medication and dose, reducing the risk of medication errors.
C) Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order: Waiting for the prescriber to make rounds is not an appropriate or timely solution. Medication administration should not be delayed due to unclear orders, as it could lead to treatment delays or potential harm to the patient. Immediate clarification is necessary.
D) Ask a colleague what the order says: While consulting a colleague might be helpful, it is not the most reliable or safe course of action. The nurse should not rely on others to interpret unclear orders, as there may be different interpretations or misunderstandings. Contacting the prescriber directly ensures the order is clarified accurately and safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
CYP 450 enzymes are responsible for the metabolism of many drugs. Smoking can induce certain CYP 450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A2, which leads to an increase in the metabolism of drugs that are substrates of this enzyme. When a person begins smoking, the induction of these enzymes can cause drugs to be metabolized more quickly, which typically results in lower drug levels in the body. However, the statement asks whether the level of medication will increase in this client, and since smoking induces enzyme activity, it would typically lead to decreased, not increased, drug levels. However, in the context of drug-drug interactions and other metabolic pathways, the metabolism rate could be altered in ways that might increase or affect the therapeutic response.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Take this medication with a small sip of water or on an empty stomach":
This response is not ideal for calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is typically taken with food to help increase its absorption and to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as constipation or bloating. Taking it on an empty stomach could cause irritation and is not the standard guideline for this medication.
B. "This medication should be taken two hours before other medications":
This is the most appropriate response. Calcium carbonate can interfere with the absorption of other medications, particularly those that require an acidic environment for proper absorption, such as certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines) and thyroid medications. Therefore, taking calcium carbonate two hours before or after other medications helps to prevent such interactions.
C. "Place this medication underneath your tongue and let it dissolve":
Calcium carbonate is typically taken orally in tablet form, not sublingually. The medication should not be dissolved under the tongue, as it is not designed for that route of administration. This would be an incorrect instruction.
D. "You can take as many doses of this medication as you need":
This statement is not accurate. Calcium carbonate should be taken as prescribed and in the correct dosage to avoid side effects such as hypercalcemia or kidney stones. Overuse of calcium supplements can lead to serious complications, and it should not be taken "as needed" without specific instructions from the healthcare provider.
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